7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, Many Trapped Inside Shopping Center

Authorities reported that many people were trapped inside a shopping center following a powerful earthquake in southwestern Japan. Local media reported an explosion at the Aeon Mall in Kumamoto after the magnitude 7.1 quake. Emergency responders confirmed that “many people” were trapped at the site.

The earthquake struck the interior region of Kyushu Island at 4:27 p.m. local time. More than 150,000 residents in the area were instructed to evacuate to safe locations. A temporary tsunami warning was issued but was lifted within an hour. Several individuals were trapped when the second floor of a shopping complex in Kashima City, Kumamoto, collapsed.